Officials scramble to get Sandy victims voting

Monday, November 05, 2012 - 01:09

Nov. 5 - New Jersey allows voters displaced by superstorm Sandy to vote by email, while some ballots in New York could be cast in tents in an 11th-hour scramble ahead of the U.S. election. Sarah Charlton reports.

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For Americans struggling in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, Tuesday's (November 6) election is the last thing on their minds.
SOUNDBITE: RICHARD FOX, STATEN ISLAND RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"It's really on the back burner. I don't even know what we are doing Tuesday."
While aid is being distributed, more than a million homes and businesses are still without power and scores of polling stations have been rendered useless.
But officials are scrambling to ensure election day goes ahead.
Displaced people in New Jersey have been designated overseas voters - allowing them to cast ballots by email.
In New York City, the electoral board has been urged to make alternative plans for affected polling stations.
But frustrated residents say more planning should have been done.
SOUNDBITE: ARLENE JOHNSON, STATEN ISLAND RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"Maybe it would be better off if they put it off for like another week or so. And I can totally understand that. I think it would be best because a lot of people can't get out now, you know?"
If voter turnout falls below 25 percent as a direct result of a disaster, New York state law can allow for a second day of polling.